The Gunners have repeatedly been linked with a move for the Croatian international in recent weeks, with reports claiming that he’d become one of Arsene Wenger’s top targets in the hunt for a prolific goalscorer.

Fellow Premier League giants Manchester City have also been linked with making a move for him this month, but it is now believed that Arsenal will stump up the £26m required to snare him away from the Vicente Calderon.

The former Bayern Munich star is being tipped to depart the Spanish capital before Monday’s transfer deadline, meaning the Gunners will have to spring into action over the weekend.

The 28-year-old only joined the club last summer and has found the net 18 times in 27 appearances across all competitions.

As a result of Mandzukic’s form, and the fact he’s not been in Spain for very long, the reports seem a little spurious – and we’d expect that if Arsenal do make a big move for a striker – it will be in the summer, rather than January.